Lithuanian parliament tightens residence requirements for foreigners

The Seimas of Lithuania on Thursday passed a bill, tightening requirements for foreigners who want to reside in Lithuania.

The amendments have been initiated by the Ministry of the Interior to crack down on foreigners who seek residence permits in Lithuania through bogus business.

The ministry notes that there has lately been an increase in foreigners who declare their intention to set up a business in Lithuania, but in fact want to get residence permits in order to gain access to the Schengen Area.

The adopted amendments outline tighter requirements for the living space and business being set up. Foreigners will only qualify for residence permit if they can prove that they have accommodation of at least 14 square meters per resident.

The law also states that a foreigner can lose the residence permit if the company he/she plans to manage is a bogus business. Foreigners will not get a residence permit if their presence in Lithuania is not key to the company’s goals and activities.